Published 6:30 am, Thursday, February 28, 2008

Clemens, who could be facing a Department of Justice investigation into whether he committed perjury, threw batting practice for 45 minutes during a minor league minicamp on a back field at Osceola County Stadium. Clemens blew past more than a dozen reporters and photographers upon his arrival at the camp, but not without lashing out.

"There's a big league team to the left; I'm not sure," said Clemens, referring to the Astros' spring training practice taking place at adjacent fields.

"Wow, you guys gotta a get a life," he told reporters as he entered the complex. When asked if he was going to address the media, Clemens responded: "I did all I'm going to do (Tuesday)."

Clemens spent about one hour in the clubhouse before emerging around noon, wearing an Astros cap and gray Astros T-shirt. He spent a few minutes in the bullpen with Astros prospect Brian Bogusevic before warming up his arm and taking the mound. Clemens threw three rounds of batting practice to three groups of four players, including his son, Koby, and threw 232 pitches in the 45-minute session.

Photo: David J. Phillip, AP

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Roger Clemens is has a personal services contract with the Astros in effect when his career is over.

Roger Clemens is has a personal services contract with the Astros in effect when his career is over.

Photo: David J. Phillip, AP

Clemens chides media: 'Get a life'

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He went into the clubhouse for about 30 minutes before spending about 15 minutes inside a batting cage. After signing a few autographs, Clemens ignored reporters' questions as he returned to the clubhouse.

About an hour later, a clubhouse attendant backed up Clemens' black Hummer to one of the front doors to the facility, while security personnel asked the media to stay back. Clemens came out around 2:10 p.m., gave a wave and said, "See y'all tomorrow," before driving away.

Astros president of baseball operations Tal Smith said Clemens is welcome at the facility.

"He's an asset to our players from a standpoint of his teaching ability," Smith said. "He's been doing this for several years now in his prior role, and we feel it's an asset and players can benefit from his instruction, from his views on pitching."

Clemens is expected to remain at camp today and Friday before returning to Houston.